Michigan State Basketball: What starting 5 with Emoni Bates could look like

Here we are at the star of the hour. Emoni Bates would undoubtedly be in that starting five from day one, no questions asked. Usually, Tom Izzo is against starting freshmen right away without having earned the time, but it’d be a crime to not start this kid from the second he steps foot on campus.

Bates has been regarded as the best high school prospect since LeBron James and he’s one of just a couple of prospects to ever receiver a perfect 1.000 rating on 247Sports and in the composite. Recruiting analysts have made it very clear that Bates is the No. 1 player in the country, regardless of recruiting class.

Heck, if he went to the NBA draft right now, he’d probably be the No. 1 pick.

But luckily, Izzo was able to land him after recruiting him consistently and heavily over the years. He’s been around the program since he was in middle school and he felt he needed to repay the loyalty that Izzo showed him by committing. But this commitment is bigger than just a publicity stunt as there’s a decent chance he suits up for Michigan State.

The 6-8, 200-pounder would be the Spartans’ starting small forward right away and he’d probably average about 30-35 minutes a night. He’s that good.

Start him alongside Max Christie at the other wing and Rocket Watts at point guard and you have the deadliest scoring trio in the nation.